Army orders probe after DC Leh suspects rigging in postal ballots

The Army has initiated a probe by a Major General-rank officer after the Deputy Commissioner of Leh wrote to it about alleged rigging in the system of postal ballots.

The Army said the complaint is being investigated by its Leh Sub-Area General Officer Commanding, who is a Major General-rank officer.

“Some political candidates appear to have complained regarding the postal ballot process to be cast by service personnel. No specific instances have been mentioned in the complaints,” said Srinagar based defence spokesperson Col. Rajesh Kalia in a statement.

“Preliminary investigations indicate that the complaints are unfounded and appear to have been made to tarnish the image of the Army. An in-depth investigation is on to ascertain the details in the most impartial manner. Army remains apolitical and we hold this core value in letter and spirit,” said Col Rajesh Kalia in a statement.

Earlier Avny Lavasa, the DC and district election officer for Leh, said a complaint had been received that commanding officers were allegedly indulging in malpractices by asking their soldiers about their voting preferences rather than letting them vote directly.